Summer Homework Booklet

Biology Core Science Higher Revision

This booklet is to help you prepare for your real and mock exams over the next year. Please tick in the table below when you have completed each section. The key words are there to help you, but you might like to make some revision resources for any you’re struggling with. Make sure you’re using your revision guide, BBC Bitesize ( etc. to help you.

You will be tested on the knowledge tests in September. It’s important that these facts are easy to recall so you should aim for a score of 90%+. Make sure you’ve attempted the tests a few times and recorded your results below. We’re not expecting 100% straight away; we just want to see progress!

Topic / Tracking Sheet / 20 Questions / Summary Sheets / Key Words
  1. Classification

  1. Genetics

  1. Homeostasis - Nervous System

  1. Homeostasis - Hormones

  1. Drugs and Disease

  1. Interdependence

Knowledge Tests
Date / Score / Percentage
Learning objectives / Reflection point 1
/ Reflection point 2 / Reflection point 3

1.1 Describe how biologists classify living organisms according to how closely they are related to one another including:
aSpecies b Genus c Family d Order e Class f Phylum g The Five Kingdoms
1.2 Describe the main characteristics of the five kingdoms including
aAnimalia b Plantae c Fungi d Protoctista e Prokaryotae
1.3Explain why scientists do not classify viruses in any of the five kingdoms and regard them as non-living.
1.3Describe that all vertebrates have a spinal cord and therefore are chordates.
1.4Describe the main characteristics of the phylum chordata as animals with a supporting rod running the length of the body, an example of this being the backbone in vertebrates.
1.5 Explain how scientists place vertebrates into groups based on
a oxygen absorption methods – lungs, gills and skin
b reproduction – internal or external fertilisation, oviparous or viviparous
c thermoregulation – homeotherms and poikilotherms
d body covering – fur / hair, feathers, dry scales, moist skin, and wet scales.
1.6Outline the problems with classifying vertebrates to a specific group based on their characteristics and why many vertebrates are difficult to classify.
1.7Discuss why the definition of a species as organisms that produce fertile offspring may have limitations:
a some organisms do not always reproduce sexually (bacteria do not interbreed they simply divide) and
b sometimes different species do interbreed to produce hybrids and some are fertile (eg mallard ducks)
H 1.8Explain why binomial classification is needed to identify and study species.
1.9Explain how accurate classification may be complicated by:
a variation within a species H bhybridisation in ducks H cring species
Learning objectives / Reflection point 1
/ Reflection point 2 / Reflection point 3

1.19 Explain the role of the scientific community in validating new evidence, including the use of:
ascientific journals
bthe peer review process
cscientific conferences
H 1.8 Explain why binomial classification is needed to identify, study and conserve species, and can be used to target conservation efforts
1.10 Construct and use keys to show how species can be identified
1.13 Describe variation as continuous or discontinuous
1.14 Investigate the variations within a species to illustrate continuous variation and discontinuous variation
1.11 Explain how organisms are adapted to their environment and how some organisms have characteristics that enable them to survive in extreme environments, including deep-sea hydrothermal vents and polar regions
1.15 Interpret variation graphs using normal distribution curves
1.16 Describe the causes of variation, including:
a genetic variation – different characteristics as a result of mutation or reproduction
b environmental variation – different characteristics caused by an organism’s environment (acquired characteristics)
1.12 Demonstrate an understanding of Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection including
a variation b over-production c struggle for existence
d survival e advantageous characteristics inherited
f gradual change
H 1.17 Explain how speciation occurs as a result of geographical isolation
1.18 Explain how evidence from DNA research and the emergence of resistant organisms support Darwin’s theory.
1.20 Describe the structure of the nucleus of the cell as containing chromosomes, on which genes are located.
1.21 Explain that genes exist in alternative forms called alleles which give rise to differences in inherited characteristics.
1.22 Recall and use the meaning of the terms: dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous, phenotype and genotype
Learning objectives / Reflection point 1
/ Reflection point 2 / Reflection point 3

1.23 Analyse and interpret patterns of monohybrid inheritance using a genetic diagram and Punnett squares
Examples: Using / drawing punnet squares and pedigree analysis diagrams.
1.24 Calculate and analyse outcomes from monohybrid crosses.
(using probabilities, ratios and percentages)
1.25 Describe the symptoms of the genetic disorders and explain why these symptoms occur:
a sickle cell disease
b cystic fibrosis
H 1.26 Evaluate the outcomes of pedigree analysis when screening for genetic disorders and explain why pedigree analysis might be necessary for an individual:
a sickle cell disease
b cystic fibrosis
Learning objectives / Reflection point 1
/ Reflection point 2 / Reflection point 3

2.1Define homeostasis as the maintenance of a stable internal environment
2.2Describe the homeostatic mechanisms of:
athermoregulation and the effect of temperature on enzymes
bosmoregulation
cblood glucose regulation
2.3Explain how the skin helps thermoregulation take place, including:
athe role of the dermis – sweat glands, blood vessels, nerve endings, hair, erector muscles and sebaceous glands
bthe roles of the hypothalamus – regulating body temperature
H2.4Explain how thermoregulation takes place, with reference to:
a vasoconstriction and
b vasodilation
c negative feedback
2.20 Explain the structure and function of dendrons and axons in the nervous system
2.21Describe how stimulation of receptors in the sense organs sends electrical impulses along neurones
2.22Investigate human responses to external stimuli
2.10Explain how a coordinated response to a stimulus is achieved, including the roles of the synapse and neurotransmitters
2.23Describe the structure and function of sensory, relay and motor neurones and synapses including:
a the role of the myelin sheath
bthe roles of neurotransmitters
cthe reflex arc
2.5Recall that hormones are produced in endocrine glands and are transported by the blood to their target organs
2.6Explain how blood glucose levels are regulated by insulin and excess blood glucose is converted to glycogen in the liver
Learning objectives / Reflection point 1
/ Reflection point 2 / Reflection point 3

2.9 Explain how Type 1 diabetes can be controlled, including the roles of diet and injection of insulin usually into the subcutaneous fat
2.10 Explain how, in Type 1 diabetes, the level of physical activity and diet affect the amount of insulin required
2.11 Recall that Type 2 diabetes is caused by a person becoming resistant to insulin
2.12 Explain how Type 2 diabetes can be controlled by diet and physical activity
2.13 Evaluate the correlation (link) between obesity (including calculations of BMI) and Type 2 diabetes
2.16 Investigate tropic responses
2.14 Explain how plant growth substances (hormones) bring about:
a positivism phototropism in shoots (plant growing towards the light).
b positive gravitropism (geotropism) in roots (roots growing downwards into the ground)
2.15 Explain how auxins bring about short curvature (bending in the stem) using cell elongation
2.17 Analyse, interpret and evaluate data from plant hormone experiments, including the action of auxins and gibberellins
H 2.18 Demonstrate an understanding of the uses of plant hormones, including:
a selective weedkillers b rooting powder
c seedless fruit d fruit ripening

Core Biology Topic 3:

Problems of and solutions to a changing environment

Learning objectives / Reflection point 1
/ Reflection point 2 / Reflection point 3

3.1Define a drug as a substance, such as a narcotic or hallucinogen, that affects the central nervous system causing changes in psychological behaviour and possible addiction
3.2Describe the general effects of:
apainkillers that block nerve impulses, including morphine
bhallucinogens that distort sense perception (make you see / feel / hear things that are not there), including LSD
cstimulants that increase the speed of reactions and neurotransmission at the synapse, including caffeine
ddepressants that slow down the activity of the brain, including alcohol
3.3Investigate reaction times
3.4Explain the effects of some chemicals in cigarette smoke, including:
anicotine as an addictive drug
btar as a carcinogen
c carbon monoxide reducing the oxygen-carrying ability of the blood
3.5Evaluate data relating to the correlation (link) between smoking and its negative effects on health (Be able to say what graphs / tables of data are showing). You may need to be able to calculate a percentage or a difference.
3.6Evaluate evidence of some harmful effects of alcohol abuse:
ain the short term – blurred vision, lowering of inhibitions, slowing reactions of
bin the long term – liver cirrhosis, brain damage
3.7Explain the ethics of organ transplants, including:
aliver transplants for alcoholics (arguments for and against them being allowed a liver transplant)
bheart transplants for the clinically obese (arguments for and against them being allowed a heart transplant)
cthe supply of organs (how many people need them on the waiting lists and how many organs are actually available).
Learning objectives / Reflection point 1
/ Reflection point 2 / Reflection point 3

3.8Recall that infectious diseases are caused by pathogens
3.9Describe how pathogens are spread, including:
ain water, including cholera bacterium
bby food, including Salmonella bacterium
c airborne (eg sneezing), including influenza virus symbols
dby contact, including athlete’s foot fungus
eby body fluids, including HIV
fby animal vectors, including: i housefly: dysentery bacterium
ii Anopheles mosquito: malarial protozoan
3.10Explain how the human body can be effective against attack from pathogens, including:
aphysical barriers – skin, cilia, mucus
bchemical defence – hydrochloric acid in the stomach, lyozymes in tears
3.11Explain that plants produce chemicals that have antibacterial effects in order to defend themselves, some of which are used by humans
3.12Describe how antiseptics can be used to prevent the spread of infection
3.13Explain the use of antibiotics to control infection, including:
aantibacterials to treat bacterial infections
bantifungals to treat fungal infections
H 3.14Evaluate evidence that resistant strains of bacteria, including MRSA, can arise from the misuse of antibiotics
3.15Investigate the effects of antiseptics or antibiotics on microbial cultures
3.16Recall that interdependence is the dynamic relationship between all living things (Food chains and webs / how living organisms depend on each other)
3.17Demonstrate an understanding of how some energy is transferred to less useful forms at each trophic level and this limits the length of a food chain
3.18Demonstrate an understanding that the shape of a pyramid of biomass is determined by energy transferred at each trophic level
Learning objectives / Reflection point 1
/ Reflection point 2 / Reflection point 3

3.19Explain how the survival of some organisms may depend on the presence of another species:
aparasitism, including:
ifleas ii headlice iii tapeworms ivmistletoe
bmutualism, including:
ioxpeckers that clean other species iicleaner fish
H iiinitrogen-fixing bacteria in legumes
H ivchemosynthetic bacteria in tube worms in deep-sea vents
3.20Analyse, interpret and evaluate data (graphs and tables) on global population change
3.21Explain how the increase in human population contributes to an increase in the production of pollutants, including phosphates, nitrates and sulfur dioxide
3.22Explain eutrophication and the problems associated with eutrophication in an aquatic environment
3.23Investigate the effect of pollutants on plant germination and growth
3.24Demonstrate an understanding of how scientists can use the presence or absence of indicator species to assess the level of pollution:
apolluted water indicator – bloodworm, sludgeworm
bclean water indicator – stonefly, freshwater shrimps
c air quality indicator – lichen species, blackspot fungus on roses
3.25Demonstrate an understanding of how recycling can reduce the demand for resources and the problem of waste disposal, including paper, plastics and metals
3.26Demonstrate an understanding of how carbon is recycled
aduring photosynthesis plants remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
bcarbon compounds pass along a food chain
cduring respiration organisms release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
ddecomposers release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
ecombustion of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
Learning objectives / Reflection point 1
/ Reflection point 2 / Reflection point 3

3.27Demonstrate an understanding of how nitrogen is recycled anitrogen gas in the air cannot be used directly by plants and animals
bnitrogen-fixing bacteria living in root nodules or the soil can fix nitrogen gas
cthe action of lightning can convert nitrogen gas into nitrates
ddecomposers break down dead animals and plants
esoil bacteria convert proteins and urea into ammonia
fnitrifying bacteria convert this ammonia to nitrates
gplants absorb nitrates from the soil
hnitrates are needed by plants to make proteins for growth
initrogen compounds pass along a food chain or web
jdenitrifying bacteria convert nitrates to nitrogen gas


B1 Higher Knowledge Test

  1. Complete this table naming the 5 kingdoms and give 2 features of each kingdom.

Kingdom / 2 features
  1. Give two reasons why scientists classify viruses as non-living.
  2. Define the term ‘species’.
  3. What are the two limitations to the definition of a species?
  4. The phylum Chordata all have what feature in common?
  5. What are the three reasons that make classification difficult?
  6. What are the three different ways of absorbing oxygen found in vertebrates?
  7. What do oviparous animals do?
  8. What do homeotherms do?
  9. What is a hybrid?
  10. ‘Differences between individuals’ is better known as…?
  11. What is the binomial name for human beings?
  12. Name two vertebrate groups that have lungs?
  13. What are the two types of variation and give an example of each?
  14. Draw a normal distribution curve.
  15. What are the two causes of variation?
  16. What is a mutation?
  17. State the 6 stages of natural selection.
  18. Describe two adaptations of the polar bear.
  19. What is a gene?
  20. Define the term allele.
  21. Using appropriate symbols, write down the genotype of a person who is heterozygous?
  22. Using appropriate symbols, write down the genotype of a person who is homozygous recessive?
  23. What does the term phenotype mean?
  24. Give 2 symptoms of Sickle Cell Anaemia
  25. Give 2 symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis.
  26. Define Homeostasis.
  27. Which part of the brain controls body temperature?
  28. What method of heat energy transfer does sweating utilise to cool us down?
  29. Explain why we look red when we are hot?
  30. What does negative feedback mean?
  31. What makes up the central nervous system?
  32. What are the cells in your eye that detect light?
  33. What part of the neurone transmits information to different neurons, muscles and glands?
  34. What is the function of a dendrite?
  35. Define a synapse and state the generic name for the chemical that crosses it.
  36. What is the myelin sheath made of and what is its role?
  37. What is the name given to the quick response that protects us from harm?
  38. How are hormones transported around the body?
  39. What hormone reduces blood sugar levels?
  40. What is excess glucose stored as?
  41. Where is excess glucose stored?
  42. What hormone acts in the opposite way to insulin?
  43. What causes type 1 diabetes and how could type 1 diabetes be controlled?
  44. What causes type 2 diabetes give 2 ways type 2 diabetes can be controlled?
  45. Where is insulin produced?
  46. What is phototropism?
  47. If a tropism is positive, what does this mean?
  48. What is geotropism?
  49. Name a plant hormone.
  50. What effect does light have on auxin?
  51. What is a drug?
  52. Complete this table to list the 4 main types of drug, how they affect the body and an example of each.

Type of drug / Example / Effect on body
  1. Name the addictive drug in cigarette smoke.
  2. What does the term ‘carcinogen’ mean?
  3. Which chemical in cigarette smoke is a carcinogen?
  4. State 2 short term effects of alcohol use.
  5. State 2 longer term effects of alcohol use.
  6. Name three groups of pathogens
  7. What disease is increasing in hospitals due to antibiotic resistance?
  8. What does an antiseptic do?
  9. Give two chemical methods a human uses to avoid infection.
  10. What do parasites do to their host?
  11. What is the advantage of the ox pecker bird to the ox?
  12. Where would you find mistletoe growing?
  13. What type of relationship is where 2 organisms live together and both benefit?
  14. What do cleaner fish eat?
  15. Describe three ways that C02 can get into the environment.
  16. What group of plants have nitrogen fixing bacteria in their roots?
  17. What type of bacteria turn nitrogen from the air into nitrates?

B1 Higher Knowledge test Answers

Kingdom / 2 features
Animalia / multicellular, no cell walls, no chlorophyll, feed heterotrophically
Plantae / multicellular, have cell walls, have chlorophyll, feed autotrophically
Fungi / multicellular, have cell walls, no chlorophyll, feed saprophytically
Protoctista / unicellular, have a nucleus
Prokaryote / unicellular, have no nucleus
  1. Cannot reproduce without a host, cannot move, not made of cells, doesn’t have a cell membrane
  2. A group of similar organisms that can reproduce to give fertile offspring
  3. Some organisms reproduce asexually. Some hybrids are fertile.
  4. Backbone/supporting rod
  5. Variation, ring species, hybridisation
  6. Gills, lungs, skin
  7. Lays eggs
  8. Maintain their body temperature (warm blooded)
  9. The offspring of two plants or animals of different species or varieties, such as a mule.
  10. Variation
  11. Homo sapien
  12. Mammals, birds
  13. Continuous e.g. height, weight and discontinuous e.g. eye colour, hair colour, blood group
  14. Genes and environment
  15. A change in an organisms DNA
  16. Variation, Over production, struggle for existence, survival, advantageous characteristic inherited, gradual change
  17. A section of DNA/a chromosome that codes for a particular characteristic.
  18. A version of a gene
  19. Any letter Hh
  20. hh
  21. The outward characteristics caused by the genes
  22. Painful joints, fatigue, shortness of breath, irregular heart beat, jaundice
  1. Persistent cough, recurrent chest infections, mucus in the lungs, infertility, underweight, does not produce digestive enzymes
  2. The maintenance of a stable internal environment
  3. Hypothalamus
  4. Evaporation
  5. Vasodilation allowing more blood to the skins surface to increase heat energy loss
  6. When a change in one direction is detected a mechanism reverses the change.
  7. Brain and Spinal cord
  8. Light sensitive cells in the retina
  9. Axon
  10. Connect neurones
  11. The junction between two neurones, Neurotransmitter
  12. Fat, Insulate the axon
  13. Reflex
  14. Blood
  15. Insulin
  16. Glycogen
  17. Liver and muscles
  18. Glucagon
  19. Lack of insulin, Controlled diet and injecting insulin
  20. A person being resistant to insulin, Physical activity and diet
  21. Pancreas
  22. A growth response to light
  23. Towards the stimulus
  24. A growth response to gravity
  25. Auxin or gibberellin
  26. Breaks it down
  27. A chemical that causes a change
  28. .

Type of drug / Example / Effect on body
Painkiller / Morphine / Blocks nervous impulses
Depressant / Alcohol / Slows reactions
Stimulant / Caffeine / Speeds up reactions
Hallucinogen / LSD / Distorts/changes senses and perceptions
  1. Nicotine
  2. Causes cancer
  3. Tar
  4. Blurred vision, lowering of inhibitions, slowing of reactions (Not gets you drunk)
  5. Liver cirrhosis, brain damage
  6. Bacteria, virus, fungi, protozoa
  7. MRSA
  8. Kills bacteria outside the body
  9. Lysosyme in tears, stomach acid, mucus
  10. Feeds off them
  11. Eats parasitic insects from it
  12. On another tree
  13. Mutualism
  14. Dead skin from other fish
  15. Respiration, burning fossil fuels, decomposition
  16. Legumes
  17. Nitrogen fixing bacteria